GAME NOTES: With three teams separated by just two points at the top of the
West Division standings, the Calgary Stampeders try to keep the good times
rolling on Saturday night as they tangle with the British Columbia Lions for
the second time this season, this time at BC Place.

Since losing to Saskatchewan (36-21), the last of the undefeated teams in the
league until last week, the Stampeders have hit a hot streak of their own with
four straight wins. The latest victory came against those same Roughriders on
August 9 at home in a 42-27 decision, tying the squads for first place in the
division at 5-1.

The star of the game for Calgary was running back Jon Cornish, who powered his
way to 175 yards and a staggering four touchdowns. Now second in the league in
rushing yards (676) and yards from scrimmage (833), Cornish's yardage total
from last week was the third-highest in his career, while the four majors were
not only a personal best, they also marked the first time since Earl Lunsford
in 1962 that a Stampeder registered at least a quartet of TDs on the ground.

First in the league with seven rushing scores and an average of 7.3 yards per
carry, Cornish was not only named the top Canadian of the week, he was also
named the CFL Offensive Player of the Week as well, the latter accolade
marking the first time since 2010 that a native had captured the honor.

Managing the game for Saskatchewan was Kerry Glenn, as the quarterback hit on
21-of-28 passing for 218 yards and a touchdown. Nik Lewis, recipient of a 25-
yard TD pass in the fourth quarter, caught seven balls for 96 yards, both game
highs.

Lewis now has 31 catches for 381 yards and three TDs this season. With his
most recent effort, Lewis moved past Tom Scott (10,837 yards) for 12th place
on the CFL's all-time list for receiving yards.

Taking a back seat to the exploits of Cornish, kicker Rene Paredes continued
to build upon his CFL record streak of consecutive field goals made,
converting a pair to run the number to 36 in a row.

Ironically, the streak by Paredes snapped the previous record set by Paul
McCallum a few years ago with British Columbia and during Week 6 action
against Winnipeg, McCallum missed a lengthy field goal in the third quarter,
snapping his consecutive streak of made field goals at 23 in a row, but still
the Lions picked up the 27-20 home win versus the Blue Bombers.

Now 3-0 at home on the season, the Lions were led by Travis Lulay who
converted 28-of-39 passing for 268 yards and three touchdowns, one each to
Shawn Gore, Korey Williams, and Courtney Taylor. Also finding creases in the
Winnipeg defense was wideout Emmanuel Arceneaux, who caught seven passes for a
game-high 72 yards.

The BC defense was also at the top of its game as it limited the visitors to a
paltry 227 yards of total offense.

There is no team better in the CFL right now in slowing down the competition
than the Lions, as they yield just 282.0 ypg.

British Columbia's pass defense has been particularly aggressive, allowing
only seven touchdowns through the air and an average of 192.8 ypg, both of
which lead the league.

But as well as the Lions might play on that side of the ball, they also have
to keep in mind that Calgary is the second-highest scoring team heading into
this meeting, averaging 34.0 ppg, which is just a single point behind
Saskatchewan.

In the season opener at McMahon Stadium, Drew Tate threw for 237 yards and
three touchdowns for the Stamps, while Cornish carved up the BC defense for
172 yards and two majors on 24 carries as well.

Not to be overlooked, Lulay countered for the Lions with 283 yards and
three touchdowns through the air, but he was also picked off once and sacked
three times. Unfortunately, the Lions didn't do themselves any favors on the
road, being flagged eight times for a collective 106 yards, almost twice
as many yards as the hosts (54 yards).

In terms of the all-time series between the clubs, with respect to only
regular season matchups going back to 1954, the Stampeders now own a 96-77-5
advantage over BC, thanks in part to back-to-back victories in the series. The
last win for the Lions was a 27-22 home decision last October.

The squads are scheduled to meet two more times during the 2013 regular
season, the next contest taking place in Calgary on Oct. 11, the other being
the season finale on Nov. 1 back here in British Columbia.

Considering the Stamps had been chasing Saskatchewan in the standings ever
since they lost to the Riders early on, Calgary might be in line for a let
down this week. Also, with plenty of time to prepare for him, and considering
the number of hits he has already taken, Cornish may not be as productive this
time around.